Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026, Vijay Singh makes a comeback, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Expected? Brooks Koepka has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor motivated by challenges at the highest level, which LIV offered only somewhat. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement, so skipping the final contractual season surprised few, though questions remain about potential buyouts or salary repayments. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will play next. The DP World Tour would likely allow immediate play, possibly for a penalty fee, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. It seems the key question is partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s Tour Championship ending August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited top-player fields, a perfect comeback opportunity. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another high-profile name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least minimum events and the ones he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will be lenient to a five-time major winner; the decision lies with the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who reportedly supports Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s return. A majority of fans agree, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” survey.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026, with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable active player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move, 62-year-old three-time major winner Vijay Singh is set to return to the PGA Tour, utilizing an exemption based on his career money list position. He will start this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles, including